scruple: Meaning and Definition of
scru•ple
Pronunciation: (skr'pul), [key] — n., v., -pled, -pling.
—n. - a moral or ethical consideration or standard that acts as a restraining force or inhibits certain actions.
- a very small portion or amount.
- a unit of weight equal to 20 grains (1.295 grams) or of a dram, apothecaries' weight.
- an ancient Roman unit of weight equivalent to of an ounce or of an as or pound. Cf. (def. 2).
—v.i. - to have scruples.
—v.t. - to have scruples about; hesitate at.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.